Russia has unnecessarily showed its capabilities (or lack of it) in a war it might strategically lose

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has exposed a lot of valuable information on the Russian Armed Forces' overall capabilities, considered valuable not just by NATO forces that was formed to counter a theoretical Russian invasion of Western (and Eastern) Europe, but also by the world's militaries, think tanks, defense schools, and analysts in general.

Russia has invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022. Photo credits to Financial Times.

No doubt, Russia is winning the war as its forces continue to steam-roll Ukraine by shear firepower. But it has taken terrible tactical losses and strategic delays  that are not expected of a superpower military like those of Russia.

The invasion is entering its 18th day as of this writing, yet the Russian military has failed to accomplish its objectives and deadlines. Russian forces have failed to conduct a blitzkrieg across Ukraine, has failed to reach the capital Kyiv, has failed to dislodge and dispose of the government of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and install a pro-Moscow puppet government. And it appears that the Russian military will continue to fail in the coming weeks.

While Ukraine has massive losses in manpower and materiel, the war highlighted an even outrageously massive Russian losses emphasized by photos and videos from the ground, and confirmation from NATO  monitoring from spy satellites over Ukraine.

In less than 2 weeks, Russia has lost more men and materiel in Ukraine than the American losses in Iraq in over 8 years. And in 3 weeks, Russia is more than half the total losses of Soviet forces in Afghanistan in 10 years from 1979-1989. This is based even on just half of what the Ukrainian government claims.

The Russian Air Force has not achieved air superiority, more so air dominance over the skies of Ukraine, and it has suffered losses almost on a daily basis against Ukrainian air defenses. It also shows that the Ukrainian Air Force and Air Defense Forces are still working despite reduced capabilities, and is successfully deterring the Russian Air Force.

Russian Air Force Su-35 Flanker-E fighters during exercises. Photo credits to Reuters.

Poor logistics and support on Russian forces has been a major highlight in this conflict. This includes lack of fuel (multiple cases of abandoned Russian vehicles due to lack of fuel) and food (reports of expired Meals Ready to Eat given to Russian soldiers resulting to Russian troops looting Ukrainian stores and even farms), use of poor quality Chinese-made military tires (which are said to be a poor-piss copy of a Michelin tire model), and lack of coordination between frontline combat units and supporting units.

Russian Army convoy near Kyiv has not moved forward for weeks. Photo credits to Maxar Technologies.

Troop morale and lack of information has also become a prevailing problem with the Russian forces. Especially for the initial invading units, soldiers were given wrong information by saying that they will be going for a training mission, and that Ukrainians will welcome them with open arms. Maps were not given to many Russian soldiers, or the maps are too old and useless. Tactical leadership also appears to be a problem resulting to high-level officers to be in the frontline and getting killed by Ukrainian forces. So far, MaxDefense PH has reported the death of 3 high-ranking Russian generals killed in the frontline.

Surrendering Russian troops due to hunger and low morale. Photo credits to original source.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine also exposed a lot of vulnerabilities in Russian assets and units, many of which were perceived to be among the best in the world. Below are some examples:

* The massive losses of highly-regarded Russian main battle tanks like the T-72, T-80 and the T-90 against Western anti-tank systems like the American FGM-148 Javelin, the British-Swedish NLAW, and even to other systems like the munitions used by the Turkish Bayraktar UCAV. The war also exposed the Russian Army's lack of active protection systems on its tanks, as well as the condition of its tanks (based on photos and videos on the inside and outside of captured/destroyed units);

Destroyed and captured Russian tanks. Photo credits to Oryx.

* Vulnerability of Russian Airborne Forces airdrop-capable armored vehicles (BMD and BTR series of armored vehicles), which suffered severe losses against light anti-tank weapons and RPGs from Ukrainian regular forces;

Decimated VDV forces in Bucha. Photo credits to original source.

* The unexpected losses of high-end Russian combat aircraft including the Sukhoi Su-30 Flanker, Su-35 Flanker-E, and Su-34 Fullback, which might affect its export (although the sanctions Russia received might even make it impossible to sell for export afterall);

The wreck of one of the Russian Air Force's Su-34 Fullback strike aircraft. Photo credits original source.

* The widespread use of air-dropped unguided munitions (dumb bombs and rockets) by the Russian Air Force has led experts to believe that Russia does not have sufficient precision guided munitions in its inventory.

* The widespread lack of encrypted / secured communications and C3 systems of Russian frontline units (widespread use of civilian radios), which allowed Ukrainian forces, NATO Signal Intelligence (SIGINT) and Communications Intelligence (COMINT) units, and even Ukrainian and European civilians to intercept and jam Russian communications and allowing Ukrainian upper hand and release of information (losses, morale, problems, etc) from the Russian side;

Russian units do not have access to secured military communications equipment like the Russian AZART P1 as shown above. Photo credits to Vitaly Kuzmin via Wikimedia Commons.

* The vaunted Russian Airborne Forces (VDV) and Russian Special Operations Forces (Spetsnaz) also suffered massive defeats in several occasions against Ukrainian regular and Special Operations (Alpha Group). There were several instances that combat between Spetsnaz versus Alpha Group operators resulted in Russian defeat. This will affect the prestige and perception on the Spetsnaz being one of the best in the world.

A unit from the Russian Airborne Forces were destroyed by Ukrainian forces in Hostomel. Photo credits to original source.

Russia is also losing the global social media war, in several ways also because of their own doing:
* Ukraine's ability to report Russian losses on the ground at almost real time by using social media has helped them a lot.
* Russians are dependent on their state-owned media outlets, which have been ineffective in reporting Russian gains and Ukrainian losses due to lack of information to report, but also because of them staying behind the front lines.
* The lies or misinformation from Russian state-owned media has been exposed numerous times, resulting to reduced readership and global acceptance as reliable sources of information.
* Russian government's decision to halt operations of Facebook, Twitter, and soon Instagram, as well pressuring the closure of Russian independent news agencies/outlets also means the Russian public will have not much options on where to get information.

And now Russia is resorting to scare tactics by announcing the increased alert level of Russian nuclear forces, as well as resorting to targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure despite Russian President Vladimir Putin's previous claims that Russian forces will not target civilians.

In the end, while Russia may win the war with heavy military losses, it will lose a lot more.
* While NATO has not entered into a physical war with Russia, the massive sanctions the Russian economy and oligarchy are getting from most major countries around the world would cripple the Russian economy and its ability to finance its military, as well as erase the economic gains made by Russia in the last 25 years;
* Russia may have underestimated Ukraine, a country of 44 million people with a land area similar to that of France. Ukraine is not a small country, and it has citizens who are not willing to be subjugated by Russia. It will lose a lot in fighting a guerrilla warfare against surviving Ukrainian military and civilian units that are committed to dislodging Russian presence in their country;

Many Ukrainian women are also joining the fight against Russian invaders. Photo credits to ABC News.

* The Russian public will be affected by their country becoming something like a pariah state, and could turn their attention or anger to Pres. Putin, which means a threat to his leadership. Pres. Putin is already believed to have become paranoid on his safety even from his closest friends and subordinates. 

Is Putin becoming paranoid? According to experts, it is possible. Photo credits to original source.

* The invasion of Ukraine has made NATO stronger, and has also strengthened the relationship between the European Union, UK, the US, and its other allies like Australia and Japan.
* Germany will start increasing its defense budget, while other NATO countries are expected to follow suit. 

Germany is doubling its defense budget due to Russian threat. Photo credits to Associated Press.

We are not underestimating the Russians in this post. Instead, we are highlighting that the world might have overestimated the Russian juggernaut, and NATO may have prepared incorrectly based on the information it has over the last 30 years. 

There is no surprise that Ukrainians are fighting hard and making it difficult for Russian forces to takeover their country.

But the real surprise here is the Russian military's inability to fight effectively and efficiently, and make use of its advantage in terms of materiel, overall fighting capability, and experience. Everyone is just surprised that Russia has not lived up to expectations.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines should be very keen in studying the Russian invasion of Ukraine, as many lessons can be taken from it that could improve the AFP's overall capability and performance against a larger foreign invader.

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First edit and release: 13 March 2022
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines

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The PNP Special Action Force introduces Russian trucks into service

The Philippine National Police - Special Action Force (PNP-SAF), the police force's military-like special operations unit, continues to receive new equipment as it modernize and expand its force.

Among those it has focused on is the acquisition of mobility assets like trucks, which is essential for the day-to-day movement of units.

Surprisingly, these requirements has become an access for non-traditional truck models to join the PNP-SAF's fleet, which were mostly acquired through public tenders by meeting the specified requirements while being the lowest priced.

Among those non-traditional models are those from Russia, which were acquired commercially and are not covered by any CAATSA restrictions.

Conequip Philippines, based in Cebu City, as well as Gazelle Motors Corp. based in Pasig City, have spearheaded the entry of Russian trucks to the Philippine market, specifically Ural and GAZ brands. And they have been successful in selling their trucks to the Philippine government, including local government units (LGU) and the Philippine National Police.

This short blog discusses the first wave of Russian trucks in service with the PNP's Special Action Force.

Photo taken from and credited to Gazelle Motors Corp.

Multi-Purpose Search and Rescue Amphibian Vehicles:

The first Russian vehicles acquired by the PNP-SAF were not actually trucks, but more of utility vehicles that can be used for Search and Rescue (SAR). These are the RM Terex GAZ-3409 amphibious all-terrain vehicle which can be used in heavily flooded areas during Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.

The vehicles are no different in size from regular vans, but these are amphibious which allows them to "swim" over water and reach difficult to reach areas.

Only 2 units were acquired by the PNP-SAF under the SAF-2017-65 Multi-Purpose SAR Amphibian Vehicle project with an ABC of Php14 million. 

The project was awarded to ConEquip Philippines Inc. on 21 December 2017, and was contracted to them under a Php14 million deal by 28 December 2017. Both vehicles were delivered to the PNP-SAF by mid-2018.

The RM Terex GAZ-3409 amphibian vehicle on display during a capability exhibit in August 2018. Photos taken from ConEquip Philippines' Facebook page, and shared in MaxDefense Philippines' post.

While MaxDefense believes that this is nothing more but an all-terrain vehicle, it is still worth looking at how it will perform during actual disasters. 

It still remains to be seen if the PNP-SAF is happy with their acquisition, although MaxDefense sources confirmed that the PNP-SAF may potentially acquire more, or even consider the larger models like the GAZ-3039 if they are satisfied with the vehicle's overall performance and value.


Medium Troop Carriers:

As the PNP-SAF required more transportation equipment to beef up its mobility fleet, it also gave more opportunity for Russian trucks to be considered.

The first one was a requirement for 10 vehicles, consisting of 8 Medium Troop Carriers and 2 Rescue Vehicles under the SAF-2018-85 Transportation Equipment Project, which has an ABC of Php30,200,000.00. Gazelle Motors Corp. won the tender with a bid amount of Php27,500,000.00, which received the contract on 28 December 2018.

Gazelle Motors delivered the GAZ Sadko 2.5-ton 4x4 utility truck, which are the first Russian trucks in PNP service. The difference between the troop carrier and rescue vehicle are on the exterior paint, as rescue vehicles are painted bright orange, while troop carriers were in camouflage. 

The first batch of GAZ Sadko 2.5-ton trucks were delivered to the PNP-SAF in mid-2019. Photos taken from Gazelle Motors Corp.'s FB page.

It appears that the GAZ Sadko competes with the German MAN CLA 18.300 2.5-ton trucks that are also in PNP and PNP-SAF service and in almost the same price bracket. While the GAZ Sadko appears to be smaller in size and are only in 4x4 (the MAN CLA has also 2 axles but twin tires at the rear), the Russian truck appears to be more off-road in nature with its lifted suspension and off-road tires.

Being in the 2.5-ton category also means that this could be Russia's answer to the Kia KM250 6x6 2.5-ton truck that is being used by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

According to Gazelle Motors' replies on their Facebook page, the GAZ Sadko delivered to the PNP-SAF are 6.515 meters long, 2.7 meters wide, and has curb weight of 3,990 kilograms, and a gross vehicle weight of 6,350 kilograms.

It is powered by a 4.43L YMZ-53442 turbo-diesel engine with intercooler with Euro 4 emission standards, with a maximum power of 135hp @ 2,300rpm, and a maximum torque of 419Nm @ 1,200-2,100 rpm. It has a 5-speed manual transmission, and has dependent leaf springs suspension.

Gazelle Motors tested the GAZ Sadko in local conditions, with the video below showing an example fording a river, and going around Crow Valley in Tarlac to test its off-road capability. Video credited to Gazelle Motors Corp.

Another requirement was raised by the PNP-SAF for Medium Troop Carriers, this time under the SAF-2019-04 Medium Troop Carrier Project, calling for 37 units with an ABC of Php119,868,800.00. 

In this case, ConEquip Philippines won the tender with an bid amount of Php119,128,800.00. ConEquip Philippines received the contract on 08 April 2019, and delivered the trucks before the end of 2019.

The trucks were among those officially accepted by the PNP on 03 March 2020. While MaxDefense counts the number of trucks handed over last March was 37 trucks for the PNP-SAF, ConEquip Philippines claims that they turned over 80 trucks to the PNP. MaxDefense has not checked yet if the PNP General Headquarters also made a separate order, since the PNP-SAF has its own Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) and procurement capability separate from the PNP GHQ.

Some of the GAZ Sadko trucks handed over by Conequip Philippines to the PNP, bound for the Special Action Force. Photo taken from Conequip Philippines' Facebook page.

Heavy Troop Carriers and Command Vehicles:

Another requirement from the PNP-SAF came up in 2018, this time for larger trucks, with 6 Heavy Troop Carriers and 4 Command Vehicles under the SAF-2018-88 Transportation Equipment Project, with an ABC of Php85,600,000.00.

The specs call for trucks larger than the GAZ Sadko or MAN CLA, at around 5-ton payload capacity.

This time, Conequip Philippines again won the tender with a bid amount of Php85,575,000.00. And in this case, they decided to offer the Ural NEXT 5-ton 4x4 truck based on the Ural 43206 chassis. This is the modern version of the classic Ural 43206 truck, which is the 4x4 version of the Ural 4320.

According to a ConEquip's representative who answered MaxDefense's query, the truck are actually 4320-71. But to avoid confusion, MaxDefense decided to use the basic chassis name which is 43206.

The Ural NEXT 43206 (top) and the older Ural 43206 (above). The Ural NEXT are the new generation versions, which benefits from technology taken from their cooperation with Italy's IVECO. Photos credited to original owners.

For some reason though, MaxDefense sources confirmed that the trucks that arrived were actually for 8 Heavy Troop Carriers and 2 Command Vehicles. There could have been adjustments made internally although we are not yet privy to the arrangements.

The standard Ural NEXT 43206 heavy troop carriers arrived without rear roofing or roof framing, although it is possible that it would be installed in the Philippines before delivery to the PNP-SAF. It is no different from other troop carrying trucks of the PNP and AFP, as it has bench seating, with passengers facing each other from left and right sides.

The Ural NEXT 43206 5-ton 4x4 Heavy Troop Carriers as delivered. Photo shared exclusively to MaxDefense by source.

Meanwhile, the Command Vehicle appears to be just a shell without any communications equipment yet. This could be filled-in by the PNP-SAF after delivery and depending on the equipment they intend to install. The vehicle has a rear enclosed cabin, and although there appears to be some parts that could be armored, it still remains to be seen if the entire cabin is armored protected. It also appears that power requirements and probably airconditioning could already be in place.

Both the troop carrier and command vehicle variants came with standard police blinker lights, and screen protection on windows and lights.

The Ural 43206 Command Vehicles, which appears to be only the shell and not including communications equipment, which the SAF would install later on according to their preference. Photo exclusively shared to MaxDefense by source.

Again, the camouflage pattern seems out of sync with the PNP-SAF's standards, considering their other vehicles like the Commando Gage V-150 Commando and Shladot MDT Armor Tiger II armored vehicles, as well as other PNP-SAF vehicles sport a different color pattern that is different from those seen in these Russian-built vehicles.

Surprising though, is that the PNP preferred to use a short wheelbase 4x4 chassis rather than a short wheelbase 6x6 version of Ural NEXT called the Ural NEXT 5557, or the long wheelbase called the Ural NEXT 4320. The Ural NEXT 4320 is the direct descendant of the Ural 4320 trucks that were donated by the Russian government to the Philippine Army.

The Ural NEXT 43206 are powered by the YAMZ-53622.10 in-line turbodiesel engine with intercooler, with a maximum power of 240hp @ 2,300rpm. Kerb weight for the standard chassis 43206 model is 6,645 kilograms, and gross vehicle weight is 13,300 kilograms.

Basic info on the Ural 43206 4x4 5-ton truck. Photo screengrabbed from Ural's brochure courtesy of ConEquip Philippines Inc.

Opening New Possibilities and Opportunities:

Russian trucks are known as equally durable and reliable as their Western counterparts, probably even better than the South Korea KIA trucks the AFP uses as their standard utility vehicles. Being commercial vehicles, these are not really covered by CAATSA restrictions too. 

What MaxDefense worries is the parts supply and maintenance support. While both Gazelle Motors and ConEquip Philippines promised to make that a priority, it still remains to be seen how much they can do considering parts for the vehicles are not readily available yet in your local truck parts shops.

As for the PNP-SAF, their decision to introduce Russian trucks might have timed well by their formal introduction into the Philippine market. We'll have to wait for 3 years at least to see if these trucks are going well, or will they end up to be a bad experiment like what the PNP did when it bought utility vehicles from India's Mahindra through its local distributor who also has not much nationwide coverage.

It also remains to be seen though if the trend will continue, considering the PNP itself may also acquire medium and heavy troop carrier trucks for use by Regional Public Safety Battalions, which uses MAN CLA 18.300 and assorted Hino and Isuzu trucks acquired from earlier tenders. With GAZ and URAL appearing to be cheaper, chances are, the both Gazelle Motors and ConEquip Philippines may enter biddings and win them too.

Also, with GAZ and Ural already in service with the PNP, what are the chances that the PNP may acquire other versions of the vehicles, including larger 6x6 troop carrying or cargo trucks, tractor heads, wreckers, and other support vehicles?

The Ural NEXT 4320 6x6 in military utility vehicle variant. Credits to original source of photo.

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Project Summary:

Multi-Purpose SAR Amphibian Vehicle (SAF-2017-65) Acquisition Project

Note: Edited as of 18 April 2020.

* End User: Philippine National Police (Special Action Force)

* Quantity: 2 Tracked All-Terrain Amphibious Vehicles

* Project ABC: Php14,000,000.00
     
* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: PNP GAA 2017

* Winning Proponent: ConEqup Philippines Inc.

* Product for Delivery:
      - 2 units RM Terex GAZ-3409 small tracked all-terrain amphibious vehicles

* Contract Price: Php14,000,000.00

* First post by MaxDefense: 05 August 2018

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PNPSAF201765

* Status: NOA released in favor of ConEqup Philippines Inc. on 21 December 2017, Contract signed and NTP released on 26 December 2017. Delivered to the PNP-SAF as of mid-2018.


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Transportation Equipment (SAF-2018-85) Acquisition Project

Note: Edited as of 18 April 2020.

* End User: Philippine National Police (Special Action Force)

* Quantity: 6 Medium Troop Carriers, 2 Rescue Vehicles

* Project ABC: Php30,200,000.00
     
* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: PNP GAA 2018

* Winning Proponent: Gazelle Motors Corp.

* Product for Delivery:
      - 8 units GAZ Sadko 4x4 2.5-ton trucks in Troop Carrier configuration
      - 2 units GAZ Sadko 4x4 2.5-ton trucks in Rescue Vehicle configuration

* Contract Price: Php27,500,000.00

* First post by MaxDefense: 

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PNPSAF201885

* Status: NOA released in favor of Gazelle Motors Corp. on 21 December 2018, Contract signed and NTP released on 28 December 2018. Delivered to the PNP-SAF as of mid-2019.

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Transportation Equipment (SAF-2018-88) Acquisition Project

Note: Edited as of 18 April 2020.

* End User: Philippine National Police (Special Action Force)

* Quantity: 6 Heavy Troop Carriers, 4 Command Vehicles (changed later to 8 Heavy Troop Carriers, 2 Command Vehicles)

* Project ABC: Php85,600,000.00
     
* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: PNP GAA 2018

* Winning Proponent: ConEquip Philippines Inc.

* Product for Delivery:
      - 8 units Ural NEXT 43206 4x4 5.5-ton trucks in Troop Carrier configuration
      - 2 units Ural NEXT 43206 4x4 5.5-ton trucks in Command Vehicle configuration

* Contract Price: Php85,575,000.00

* First post by MaxDefense: 15 April 2020

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PNPSAF201885

* Status: NOA released in favor of ConEquip Philippines Inc.. on 03 December 2018, Contract signed and NTP released on 05 December 2018. For delivery to the PNP-SAF by April 2020.

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Medium Troop Carrier (SAF-2019-04) Acquisition Project

Note: Edited as of 18 April 2020.

* End User: Philippine National Police (Special Action Force)

* Quantity: 37 Medium Troop Carriers

* Project ABC: Php30,200,000.00
     
* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: PNP GAA 2019

* Winning Proponent: ConEquip Philippines Inc.

* Product for Delivery:
      - 37 units GAZ Sadko 4x4 2.5-ton trucks in Troop Carrier configuration

* Contract Price: Php119,128.800.00

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PNPSAF201904


* Status: Contract signed and NTP released in favor of ConEquip Philippines Inc. on 08 April 2019. Delivered to the PNP-SAF as of early 2020, officially presented by the PNP on March 2020. In service with the PNP-SAF.


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First posted and released on 19 April 2020

Copyright MaxDefense Philippines

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Russia unveils its new T-14 Armata MBT and other Armored Vehicles before Victory Day 2015 Parade

Although this is not totally related to Philippine defense and security, in the future, it could be.

The Russian Army has finally unveilled the vehicles it intends to display during the upcoming Victory Day 2015 parade in Moscow this May 9, 2015. A short summary and photo gallery follows below of what to expect on that day, which is expected to be very important for many defense institutions and government military planners.

Note: All photos are taken from Army Recognition website.


1. T-14 Armata Main Battle Tank

This is the latest generation main battle tank coming from the Russians, a totally different vehicle from their previous generation T-90 series which is heavily derived from the T-72 series. According to several sources, the T-14 Armata is equipped with a unmanned turret installed with a new 125mm smoothbore gun with autoloader feature for 32 ready to use rounds. The photo still covers the turret of the tank, keeping many exposed systems and features until the actual parade.




2. BMP T-15 Armata Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle:

This is a new AIFV that uses the same platform as the T-14 Armata main battle tank. Although it is expected that the vehicle will be armed with a 30mm 2A42 automatic cannon and 4 Kornet-EM anti tank guided missiles, the turret portion was also covered during the parade practice so it is still unconfirmed. It is also expected to have the same level of protection as the tank version, and can be operated by a 2-man crew and a passenger compartment at the rear for a heavy infantry squad.




3. BMP Kurganets-25 Tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicle

This new tracked armored vehicle is the main version of the Kurganets-25 series, and is considerably large even compared to the T-14 Armata tank. It is expected to be armed with a 30mm 2A42 automatic cannon, a 7.62mm PKT co-axial machine gun, and 4 Kornet-EM anti tank guided missiles in the same manner as the BMP T-15. It is expected to carry 8 heavy infantry aside from the 3-man crew, and is fully amphibious with 2 waterjets at the rear of the hull. It is equipped with a passive armor protection system which increases the total width of the vehicle.




4. BTR Kurganets-25 Tracked Armored Personnel Carrier

This is a lightly armed version of the BMP Kurganets-25, using the same platfrom but armed only with a small turret with either a 12.7mm heavy machine gun or a 7.62mm machine gun. MaxDefense believes that this would have a higher passenger capacity that its IFV version.




5. BTR Bumerang Wheeled 8x8 Armored Vehicle

This new wheeled armored vehicle is slated to replace the Soviet-era BTR-80 and BTR-82 series in several variants, and is more reminicent of modern wheeled armored vehicle models from Western countries. It's top portion was also covered during the parade practice, but it is expected to carry the same turret as the BMP Kurganets-25 IFV, with a 30mm 2A42 auto cannon, a 7.62mm co-axial machine gun and 4 Kornet-EM anti-tank guided missiles. It is also expected to be a universal platform for different variants which may include fire support vehicles, anti-tank missile carrier, command post, armored ambulance, and mortar carrier variants.




6. Kamaz 63968 Typhoon-K Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle

One of the two new MRAPs for the Russian Army under the Typhoon program, the Typhoon-K from truck manufacturer Kamaz is a modular 6x6 wheeled armored personnel carrier that can carry 16 troops including the crew. It has a V-hull design that Kamaz claims can withstand up to 8kg of TNT blasts from underneath the vehicle.




7. Ural 63095 Typhoon-U Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle

Another new MRAP from Russia, also under the Typhoon program but is made by Ural. It is also a 6x6 wheeled armored vehicle, which can be armed with a machine gun up to 14.5mm caliber mounted on a remote weapons station on the top of the crew compartment. It has a capacity of 14 troops including its 2-man crew. And like the Kamaz MRAP, it is also designed with a V-hull that the manufacturer claims can withstand an 8kg TNT or mine blast.




8. 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV 152mm Self Propelled Tracked Howitzer

This is a new generation self-propelled tracked howitzser from Russia that utilizes the old 2S19 Msta chassis with a new turret and a new 152mm 2A88 howitzer. The vehicle is also armed with a remote weapons station for a 12.7mm machine gun mounted on top of the turret. It can fire the generation 9K25 152mm Krasnopol laser-guided projectile.


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Aside from these new vehicles, the Russian Army will be featuring a number of upgraded and up-to-date vehicles and weapons systems being used. These include the following vehicles:


1. GAZ-2975 Tigr High Mobility Multipurpose Vehicle

Tigr armored vehicle with Kornet-D anti-tank guided missile laucnhers.

2. BTR-82A 8x8 Wheeled Armored Personnel Carrier

3. BMD-4M Airborne Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle

4. BTR-MDM Rakushka Tracked Armored Personnel Carrier

5. T-90A Main Battle Tank

6. K-300P Bastion-P Coastal Defense Missile System

Vietnam is currently an operator of this system, wherein they acquire two systems in 2011. The system fires the P-800 Oniks (SS-N-26 Yakhont Strobile) anti-ship cruise missiles, and has a maximum range of around 300km. 




7. TOR-M2U Mobile Air Defense Missile System

8. BUK-M2 Mobile Air Defense Missile System (SA-17 Grizzly)

9. Pantsir-S Short Range Air Defense System (SA-22 Greyhound)

10. S-400 Triumf Long Range Air Defense Missile System (SA-21 Growler)

This is the same air defense missile system that Russia approved to sell to China, which is in effect already something worth looking at in the Philippine setting.




11. Yars RS-24 Intercontinental Ballistic Missile

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While these systems or vehicles are not directly affecting the Philippines, there are chances that they would in the future. China is a heavy importer of Russian arms, and they already are in the final stages of a deal to acquire the long range S-400 Triumf air defense system which can reach hundreds of miles from its launching position. An S-400 in the Spratly Islands would complicate the movement of aircraft from the Philippines, including inside Philippine airspace.

Vietnam is also a Russian military equipment importer, and already has the K-300P Bastion-P shore based missile system in its inventory. Although their main target are Chinese ships, it is not impossible for them to target Philippine ships as well, especially that they are also a claimant in some of the islands inside the Kalayaan Group of Islands in the West Philippine Sea. They are also expected to acquire some of the Russian equipment listed above for their own needs. Example is Russia's main battle tanks, as they are currently operating a large fleet of obsolete tank that may need replacement very soon.

Both Indonesia and Malaysia are currently Russian equipment users, and it may not be impossible for them to acquire land and missile systems from Russia in the coming years to beef up or replace their existing systems.

Although not a Russian equipment user, the Philippine military should open up to the possibility of acquiring military equipment from Russia if they are capable of filling the requirements of the AFP. This may be a difficult pill to swallow for the country's defense planners considering its strong affiliation with Western or US military equipment and systems, but it must be open to such options.

We'll see more of these Russian equipment in the coming Victory Day parade on May 9, 2015.

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